Still from 'Reaching for the Moon'
Still from ‘Reaching for the Moon’

For the first time the Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) will be presenting films in Ballarat at M.A.D.E (the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka)

This is an exciting opportunity to view thought-provoking and influential movies in M.A.D.E’s Theatre.

The program was selected by the Festival Director Lisa Daniel and included the opening and the closing movies from the recent 24th MQFF, which ran earlier in the year.

The MQFF first started in 1991 and is the oldest queer film festival in Australia and is the largest queer film festival in the southern hemisphere.

Our Picks:

Any Day Now (2014) 18+

Director: Travis Fine

When gay couples (Alan Cumming and Garret Dillahunt) take in abandoned Down syndrome teenager (Isaac Leyva), they form a loving family.

Set 35 years ago, when the authorities found out about their arrangement, they face a biased legal system. Inspired by a true story and commenting on social and legal issues that still haunt us today.

Having won 10 awards at major festivals, such as Tribeca, Chicago and Seattle, Any Day Now is a powerful tale of love, acceptance and family.

Starring the very successful Alan Cumming, whose credits include The Good Wife, the L Word, X-Men 2, Eyes Wide Shut, and Rick & Steve the Happiest Gay Couple in all the World.

Watch on Apple TV

Reaching for the Moon (2014) 18+

Director: Bruno Barreto

A story of a tragic love affair between an American poet Elizabeth Bishop (Miranda Otto) and Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares (GlóriaPires).

A backdrop of political upheaval and cultural differences. Elizabeth makes her way to Rio from New York in the 1950s to visit her college friend and ends up finding love with her friend’s partner Lota.

Barriers they face include alcoholism, long distances and military coupe. Their intimacy spans decades and dramatically affects both artists.

 

Watch on Apple TV